High Rock Canyon Closure Notice

WINNEMUCCA, Nev. – The Bureau of Land Management, Winnemucca District, Black Rock Field Office, will implement a seasonal road closure February 1 to May 12 on the High Rock Canyon Road. The closure will only apply to vehicle use. This closure, which has gone into effect each year since 2004, is designed to prevent damage to the Emigrant trail during months when the road can be wet, and reduce human disturbance of wildlife, including lambing bighorn sheep and nesting raptors. Notices will be placed on the North and South entrance gates of the canyon, as well as at the Stevens Camp cabin to inform users of the closure. Gates at either entrance will be locked to prevent vehicle entrance.

The seasonal closure applies to all motorized vehicles except those specifically authorized to access the area. Such authorization is provided for search and rescue, emergency medical services and law enforcement personnel, as well as administratively approved actions. The area will remain open to the public for non-motorized use.

“Vehicle traffic can or may damage Emigrant trail traces and associated features,” said Kathryn Attaman, BLM Archaeologist. “Any artifacts could be lost or destroyed with the presence of vehicles on wet roads.” According to Jeff Jones, BLM Ecologist, “Bighorn Sheep only lamb in certain areas that provide forage and protection from predators. The uniqueness of the canyon’s steep cliffs allow for the protection needed for the sheep to feel comfortable to lamb.”

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The agency’s mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. Diverse activities authorized on these lands generated $75 billion in sales of goods and services throughout the American economy in fiscal year 2016—more than any other agency in the Department of the Interior. These activities supported more than 372,000 jobs.